Lymphaletics for children with lymphoedema
What is this?
The lymphaletics event is a special free day of activities for children and teenagers with lymphoedema and their families
When is it?
15th September 2012
Where is it?
The day will be held at Pond’s Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield.
The day is hosted by the British Lymphology Society Childrens’ Special Interest Group (BLS CSIG)
The BLS CSIG is a group of specialist therapists who are working with children with lymphoedema. They work in lymphoedema clinics around the UK and are members of the British Lymphology Society. We are organising the day and will all be there to supervise the activities and support the children and families who attend.
The day is FREE to families and is funded and supported by the British Lymphology Society.
The programme for the day is just being finalised and will start at 12 midday and finish around 7.30pm. We are hoping to help families with overnight accommodation in Sheffield on the Saturday evening.
"I found it difficult to come to terms with my condition, as it made me feel frumpy, heavy and unattractive at times. I dealt with it by trying to find clothes that made me feel comfortable rather than getting upset. I made my own style and realised that being happy with myself was the key. Keeping fit and eating healthily also helps me to feel better about myself, and complementary therapy also aids me a great deal.
Being confident and accepting my condition helps me with what I choose to wear and how I feel about myself."
Lindsey
"Hi my name is Sarah, I am 18 years of age and I have lymphoedema in my left leg. I am studying A Levels which are double health and social care, travel and tourism and English. I am hoping to continue studying and do a degree in social work or nursing. I was diagnosed with lymphoedema from the age of 13 and have been receiving treatment for my leg from different places but it has been a while since the Otley Wharfedale Hospital has been treating my leg. I am very grateful for the treatment I am receiving from the hospital staff, but just hope one day there is better treatment invented where my leg gets better."
Sarah
"I was seven years old when I first noticed a difference in my right leg. I went to my GP and he diagnosed deep vein thrombosis but he was still unsure so he sent me to hospital at Coventry’s Walsgrave Hospital for some tests. At the end of the tests the conclusionwas that I had secondary lymphoedema caused by a hit and run accident that I suffered from approximately a year before hand.
I have had no major problems with my lymphoedema in my nine years with this disorder. I wear a compression stocking to helpwith the noticeable swelling in my right leg; the swelling however is only slight and not hugely big in comparison with some of the other lymphoedema sufferers I have met or seen."
Tom
"Hi, my name is Lydia. I am 16 years old, and was diagnosed with lipoedema and lymphodema just over 18 months ago. For me, the condition was not easily diagnosed. I spent many hours in hospital and attended various appointments - although there was clearly something wrong, doctors couldn’t seem to find the cause. At first, I just thought I was simply just putting on weight. My mum said to me one evening, 'Lydia, your legs look bigger than usual!' For years I have had a problem with my weight, so we just put it down to that. Even one of my friends had noticed and by then, the swelling in my legs had become even more prominent..."
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Lydia
The sun rose like a great red disc through the gloom of a cold October day on Halloween day. As the clock tolled 12 little figures appeared out of the mist – but they were not on broomsticks and it was 12 midday. This was the start of our Halloween fun day for children, young adults and their families who attend the Leeds Lymphoedema Service.
The aim of the day was to bring everyone together to have fun and to meet each other. The venue was Xscape – an indoor activity centre near Castleford with ski slope, climbing wall and many other activities. Each child could choose two free activities each from a list that included sledging, snowboarding, laser zone, rock climbing, sky ride, laser zone, cosmic golf and soft play
We were delighted that Lindsey Summerhill, Ritchie and Megan could join us as our special guests for the day – and Karen Friett from LSN also drove up all the way from London to be with us for the event.
The day started with registration and light refreshments before the start of the activities. We started high with the sky ride. The brave souls on this activity made their way around the ceiling on a rope-s slung series of balconies and swings – fortunately they were all secured to a safety rope but it still looked pretty scary! After this everyone donned their warm clothes to enter the cold zone and the sledging session – I tried to venture into the entrance to take a photo but was dressed in a witches’ costume that looked rather out if place and was certainly not warm enough for the chilly temperature. The session of the laserzone provided an opportunity for some of our group to team up – and the general instruction was that if anything moved, then shoot it with your laser gun! For the younger members of our party, there was a soft play area and also cosmic golf that suited all ages.
By the end of the afternoon there were some very tired children – and equally tired parents! We finished off with a buffet supper and raffle and, in all, the general conclusion was that a great time was had by all. Our sincere thanks to Haddenham Healthcare, Medi UK, BSN Medical and the Otley Ladies for their generous support and for sponsoring our event. I should also like to thank Katie Taylor for her help, enthusiasm and inspiration in helping me to make the day happen
We already have some thoughts about our childrens’ event in 2011 and will be seeking the feedback of our children and their families during our Christmas clinics. In addition there are plans for an even bigger event in 2012 when we hope to have a national event for children with lymphoedema and their families. This 2012 event is being planned by members of the British Lymphology Society Childrens’ Special Interest Group. There will be more about both events in future Lymphline publications in 2012.